Is The Panhandling Dog Cute or Cruel?

At first glance, the cleverly costumed dog posing with fans for tips outside of Citi-field and Yankee stadium in New York seems innocent but concerned activists are alleging abuse. 

The cute pit-bull pup named “Coffee” wears yellow shades, a Mets jersey, a bandanna, and holds a pipe in her mouth. Pictures taken by concerned passersby show Coffee has no teeth and that the stylish bandanna is actually meant to hide a cruel shock collar. They suspect the shock collar has been used to keep Coffee restrained while thousands of baseball fans stampede past before games. 

Fans can pose with Coffee for a cash tip given to her handler but activists allege that Coffee is forced to work for hours on end in all types of weather without food, water, or rest. 

Many feel that dressing Coffee up in Mets gear and having her pose for pictures for tips is innocent, not cruel. If the activists allegations are correct however and Coffee is denied food, water, and rest and is being forced to work EVERY game by the use of shock collar, this is a clear case of exploitation and abuse.

Check out the “Stop Abusing Coffee” Facebook page for more pictures and updates on the case.